Front-loading washing machine

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• Scrub sponge
• A small  bowl

How to naturally clean your front-loading washing machine:

Start by mixing your baking soda & water together in a small bowl. This will be the “detergent” for cleaning your washing machine. Pour the vinegar into a measuring cup, and head on over to your washing machine.

Next, you’ll add the baking soda mixture to the detergent container of your machine, and pour the vinegar into the drum. Set your washer to normal load at the hottest water setting. Close the door and start your machine, letting it do all the hard work for you. The baking soda & vinegar naturally break up mineral deposits and any mold growth while cleaning and refreshing your washing machine.

Use a clean scrubber to rub around the opening of the washing machine, removing stubborn mold or residue. Lastly, wipe it clean with fresh water.

Your washing machine is now sparkling clean and ready for a load of laundry! Repeat these steps for your front-loader about every other month.

Top-loading washing machine

What you’ll need:

• 3 1/2 cups white vinegar
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Clean cloth
• Toothbrush

How to naturally clean your top-loading washing machine:

First, set your washing machine to run on hot water with the largest load setting. Add the vinegar to your water, and allow the washing machine to agitate for a minute to incorporate the vinegar.

Next, add your baking soda. Allow the machine to run, again, to mix in the baking soda. Stop the washer at this point, and allow the water to sit for 1 hour.

While the hot water, vinegar, and baking soda are penetrating the grim and odors, grab your clean cloth, dipped in the vinegar / baking soda water, to wipe down your washer. Give attention to the top of your washer, the top of the wash bin, the knobs, and any fabric softener or bleach dispensers. If your clean cloth doesn’t do the trick, you can grab a toothbrush to detail all the grime residing in your washer.

Allow the washing cycle to resume until the water begins draining. If your washer will allow it, turn the knob so the tub will drain while spinning, further cleaning out any gunk that has been loosened up and pushing the vinegar water through the holes in the wash bin. If your washer doesn’t allow this, start another hot wash cycle at this point and allow it to run through completely.

If your top load washer is prone to getting mold, mildew, or strange odors, keep the lid open after each use to allow drying.

Your washing machine is now sparkling clean and ready for a load of laundry! Clean your washer using this method about every other month.

Maintaining a sparkling clean washing machine is just one way to keep your laundry room in prime condition.

Next, take a look at our How To Maintain Your Dryer blog!